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Tag: European Commission

EU Road Transport Toll Exemption Extended

Posted on by David Priestman

The European Commission’s proposal to extend toll exemptions for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles is a welcome step but broader Eurovignette reforms are still urgently needed.

IRU welcomes the European Commission’s proposal to extend toll exemptions for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles, including trucks, to help encourage their market uptake. The Commission’s proposal extends the current exemption from road tolls and user charges for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles from 31 December 2025 to 30 June 2031. Announced in the Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector, the measure aims to support the competitiveness of sustainable road transport to help boost the market uptake of zero-emission vehicles and align with the EU’s CO₂ emission performance standards, which target a 43% reduction in emissions from new heavy-duty vehicles by 2030.

IRU EU Advocacy Director Raluca Marian said, “Extending toll exemptions is a much-needed signal of support for early movers investing in zero-emission vehicles. It acknowledges the reality that incentives, not penalties, are what truly accelerate decarbonisation in commercial road transport. However, IRU urges EU policymakers to address key gaps in the broader Eurovignette framework to ensure a fair and effective transition to low- and zero-emission road transport.”

IRU stresses the need for urgent action in the following key areas:

1. Including other low-carbon fuels: Vehicles powered by alternative liquid and gaseous fuels, such as e-fuels, carbon-neutral fuels, biofuels, and biofuel blends, should also benefit from substantial toll reductions to support immediate lowering of CO₂ emissions in transport through the uptake of clean fuels.

2. Earmarking of CO₂-related revenues: A temporary, mandatory allocation of all CO₂-related toll revenues to support the commercial road transport sector’s decarbonisation efforts is essential.

3. Avoiding double taxation: The current framework allows Member States to impose multiple CO₂-related charges (e.g. rate variation and external cost charges), which risks overburdening operators and undermining investment in clean technologies.

“At this critical stage, when the sector must scale up its investment in zero-emission vehicles, which remain significantly more expensive, a temporary earmarking of CO₂-related toll revenues to support this transition is essential,” concluded  Marian. “Without this, many operators will struggle. Moreover, the Eurovignette framework must go further by recognising the contribution of low-carbon fuels already reducing CO₂ emissions. An inclusive and balanced approach is the only way to ensure a fair and effective green transition.”

The proposal will now be reviewed by the European Parliament and the Council under the ordinary legislative procedure.

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EU Changes Road Transport Rules

Posted on by David Priestman

In April 2025, the European Commission announced new laws to update how road transport works across the EU. These changes are designed to make road transport safer, more modern, and more efficient. They affect drivers, logistics companies, and vehicle owners all over Europe, says Tomasz Mazurkiewicz of Truck1 International.

The new laws will focus on using digital tools, improving road safety, and helping freight move faster across borders. The plan is part of the EU’s larger goal to reduce emissions and support greener transport systems in the future.

What Will Change for Drivers and Companies

The law introduces several important changes:
● Smart tachographs will be required in all new trucks. These devices track driver hours, routes, and rest time using GPS
● New rules for driver working time will help make rest periods clearer and easier to follow across the EU
● Electronic freight documents (e-CMR) will become standard, replacing paper documents and speeding up customs checks

All these changes are meant to save time, reduce paperwork, and create fair conditions for companies working in different countries. But they also mean that some older trucks and systems will need to be updated or replaced.

New Emission Rules Will Push Companies to Upgrade Fleets

The new EU rules will also tighten emissions limits. Trucks will need to be cleaner and more fuel-efficient. This will help reduce pollution and bring the transport sector closer to climate goals.
As a result, many logistics companies will need to replace older vehicles with newer ones that meet these standards. That creates extra demand for trucks that are up-to-date, safe, and legal under the new rules.

During this period of change, companies need a fast and easy way to find the right trucks and equipment. Truck1 is one of the best tools for that. It is one of Europe’s largest online marketplaces for commercial vehicles, construction machines, and farm equipment. Truck1 currently offers over 400,000 listings from more than 1800 trusted sellers. Buyers can search by brand, model, engine type, year, and location. It’s easy to contact the seller directly by phone or send a free inquiry — no sign-up needed.

Who Else Will Be Affected by the New Rules?

The changes won’t just affect truck drivers and logistics firms. Dealers, leasing companies, and even national governments will have to adjust. Dealers, for example, may see more demand for newer trucks that meet the latest rules — especially those with smart technology or low-emission engines. One big challenge in the coming years will be finding vehicles that meet both the legal and practical needs of each business. Truck1 helps solve this problem. The site offers fast filtering, real photos, technical details, and a large network of sellers from all over Europe. It’s especially useful for companies that work across borders or need to upgrade fleets to stay competitive.

The Future of Road Transport in Europe

The EU’s new road transport laws are a major step toward a cleaner, smarter, and more efficient industry. While these changes require companies to invest time and money, they also create chances to grow, improve safety, and work more smoothly across borders. Companies that prepare early will have an advantage.

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Import Control System 2 Extends to Rail and Road

Posted on by David Priestman

The European Union’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) aims to enhance the safety and security of goods entering the EU by introducing a standardised, pre-arrival customs process for all transportation modes, including road and rail, in addition to the existing air, maritime and inland waterway requirements. By mandating the submission of accurate and complete Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) data prior to arrival, the ICS2 enables customs authorities to better assess the risks associated with incoming goods, thereby improving the EU’s ability to prevent and combat customs offenses, and ultimately ensuring a safer and more secure trade environment.

From 1 April 2025, road and rail carriers will need to provide data on goods sent to or through the EU prior to their arrival, through a complete ENS. This obligation also concerns postal and express carriers who transport goods using these modes of transport as well as other parties, such as logistics providers. In certain circumstances, final consignees established in the EU will also have to submit ENS data in the ICS2.

Economic operators who are not ready by this date need to contact the National Service Desk of the EU Member State (National Customs Authority) where they have registered and obtained their EORI number to request a deployment window by 1 March 2025, at the latest. Deployment windows are granted only upon request.

To comply with the ICS2 requirements, affected businesses will be required to make sure they collect accurate and complete data from their clients, update their IT systems and operational processes, and provide adequate training to their staff. Economic operators will also need to successfully complete a self-conformance test before connecting to the ICS2, to verify their ability to access and exchange messages with customs authorities. Goods might be stopped at EU borders and might not be cleared by customs authorities if traders do not meet the ICS2 requirements on time.

ICS2 in detail

The ICS2 has been developed through close collaboration between the European Commission, Member States’ customs authorities and businesses. Starting from 1 September 2025, the ICS1 will phase out. The ICS2 will fully replace the ICS1 with an entirely new business process in accordance with the Union Customs Code. The European Commission organises monthly webinars (in English) where economic operators can ask questions about the operational and technical aspects of the ICS2. The next webinar is scheduled for 5 February 2025.

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Live Animal Transport: EU Tables Improved Conditions

Posted on by Keith McKinley

In an attempt to overhaul the current EU framework governing live animal transport, the European Commission unveiled today a proposal which partly considers the true chain of responsibility and care for animals during road transport.

Following a lengthy consultation process, the European Commission presented today a new legislative proposal to replace the current regulation overseeing the protection of animals during transport. This long-awaited revision aims to improve the welfare of animals from the first point of departure to their final destination, including to outside the EU. The proposal contains several provisions which could directly or indirectly impact the welfare of animals during transport.

These include restrictions on the length of the journey for slaughter animals, more space for animals in vehicles and other technical specifications such as temperature control, special provisions for journeys to third countries, clarifications on the role of various parties along the logistics chain, especially the role of the organisers of the ‘animal journey’, and digitalisation and enforcement.

IRU Director of EU Advocacy Raluca Marian said, “IRU welcomes the Commission’s much-needed efforts to fundamentally overhaul the rules governing animal welfare during transport. The Commission has addressed some concerns, but its approach is still lopsided towards the various parties which have to guarantee the welfare of the animals during their journey, especially on competence, knowledge and training. Unfortunately, this approach is not in sync with the actual reality of animal transport.”

Following an initial review of the proposal, IRU has identified two particular issues.

More clearly defined responsibilities

The liability across the logistics chain to decide whether an animal is fit for carriage is one of the key concerns which is inadequately addressed by the proposal. The proposal addresses this by introducing clear limits for the different stakeholders in the logistics process such as organisers, keepers and transport operators.

“We’re pleased to see that the Commission has understood that drivers and transport operators can only carry out a – highly challenging – visible check during the loading process. It is extremely hard for drivers to detect hidden conditions which can worsen during transport. Reflecting this in the delimitation of the responsibility of the various parties, including organisers and keepers should provide extra guarantees against unfit animals being presented and loaded for transport,” highlighted Marian.

Cumbersome training only for transporters

The issue of liability and knowledge is closely related to the training of professionals involved in the logistics process of live animal carriage. The proposal only foresees training and exams for road transport drivers and attendants.

Marian said, “This is still a very one-sided approach. The truck driver is only one link in the chain. In contrast, no obligation is foreseen for the journey organiser who actually has the overview of the complete journey of an animal, not just of one single transport leg. If animal welfare was taken seriously, all professionals involved in the process, including those who organise and plan journeys, keep, attend and carry live animals, and not only the drivers, would be properly trained and fully familiar with EU and national rules as well as with the animal species they are carrying. This way they can properly assume the responsibilities they have been given to guarantee the welfare of the animals throughout the logistics chain.”

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